Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
- 2025 salary-cap savings: $3.46 million
- Dead cap money: $1.5 million
The Washington Commanders need to rethink their plans for the running back position. It was an impressive start to the campaign for this unit, but things tailed off down the stretch and in the postseason.
Brian Robinson Jr. fought through injuries but lost some explosiveness as a grueling campaign began to take its toll. It would be surprising if he didn't get another go-around, although a contract extension ahead of time isn't in his immediate future.
The Commanders also have Austin Ekeler under contract in 2025. He was one of several veteran additions to the ranks during Adam Peters' first offseason, providing a dependable pass-catching outlet for Jayden Daniels out of the backfield en route to 733 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns during the regular season. Even so, there are other factors to consider before deciding on his future.
Ekeler is an asset, there's no getting away from that. However, he's also dealt with severe concussion issues. His crucial fumble in the NFC Championship game also left a sour taste in the mouth.
The former undrafted free agent earned second-team All-Pro honors as a kick returner, so it would be a shock if he wasn't retained. But this is almost entirely dependent on how the Commanders approach running back recruitment this offseason.
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
- 2025 salary-cap savings: $16.46 million
- Dead cap money: $6 million
The Commanders have a complex conundrum on their hands with Jonathan Allen. What general manager Adam Peters decides comes with significant ramifications attached.
Allen's leadership cannot be questioned. He's an alpha and supreme motivator. Unfortunately for the two-time Pro Bowler, his on-field performances have regressed over the last two years.
The explosiveness and brute power to cause havoc have deserted Allen. He can still rise to the occasion — as demonstrated by his outstanding postseason effort versus the Detroit Lions — but consistency is a major issue these days. That gives the Commanders a big decision to make entering the final year of his deal.
Daron Payne and Johnny Newton will remain on the books. Allen's future is less certain, especially given the obvious need to bolster the trenches on both sides of the football. Peters might explore trade opportunities in pursuit of getting something back in return. It wouldn't be a robust market, but one or two clubs should get involved.
Teams will also know that the chances of releasing Allen increase if a willing trade partner cannot be found. This comes with eye-catching savings of $16.46 million with $6 million in dead money. It also allows the former first-round pick out of Alabama to pick his next destination.